A treatise of delighting in God from Psal. xxxvij. 4. Delight thy self also…

2. To show, how unfit such a Religion is ⟨p. 190⟩to be chosen or rested in. And surely since (as appears from what was formerly said) the persuading of men to become religious or godly, is but an inviting them to a state and course wherein they may delight themselves with God; or to a life of pure and heavenly pleasure; That is only the vain show of Religion, which affords nothing of that pleasure. And how unreasonable and foolish is it when Religion it self is the thing we pretend, to let our selves be mocked (as we mock others, and vainly attempt to mock Him also, who is not to be mocked) with the mere empty show and appearance of it!

2. To shew, how unfit such a Religion is ⟨p. 190⟩to be chosen or rested in. And surely since (as appears from what was formerly said) the perswading of men to become religious or godly, is but an inviting them to a state and course wherein they may delight themselves with God; or to a life of pure and heavenly pleasure; That is only the vain shew of Religion, which affords nothing of that pleasure. And how unreasonable and foolish is it when Religion it self is the thing we pretend, to let our selves be mock'd (as we mock others, and vainly attempt to mock Him also, who is not to be mocked) with the meer empty shew and appearance of it!

That we may be here somewhat more particular, let it be considered,

1. That the Religion which is in it self undelightful, is, for the same reason for which it is so, uncapable of growth; that is, because it is a dead thing. For that reason it is without delight; and for the same reason admits not of improvement: It wants the self-improving Principle. He that drinks of that water (saith our Saviour) which I shall give him,